Discover Unmissable Events for Families this Summer

From the 18th July, the gorgeous grounds of Ickworth Estate will once again become a giant playground for families as the National Trust launches its Summer of Play programme.

May your way to the historic walled garden where children can throw themselves into a whole world of hands-on activities; from storytelling sessions and sensory play to weaving trails through the maze, performing on the summer house stage and getting muddy and messy in the mud kitchen.

Set against the backdrop of one of Suffolk’s grandest estates, families can spend hours wandering between gardens, parkland and play spaces, with plenty to keep both younger children and older siblings entertained along the way. Best of all, the activities are included free of charge.

Discover over 100 years of local RAF history at a special RAF Day celebration at Rougham Control Tower Aviation Museum. This family-friendly event brings together aviation enthusiasts, military history groups, re-enactors, and local organisations to showcase the area's rich connection to the Royal Air Force.

Visitors can enjoy displays from the Thurston Air Cadets, RAF Association, RAF Regiment Heritage Centre, and 447th Bomb Group, as well as a static glider from Rattlesden Glider Club and the impressive Simply Spitfire full-scale Mk IX replica. With aviation talks, performances from the RAF Honington Military Wives Choir, a beer tent, tearoom, and plenty more to explore, it's a great day out for all ages.

A world of magic and make believe arrives at Kentwell Hall this summer as witches, wizards, elves and pixies are invited to step into the Magic Weekend.

Inspired by the likes of Harry Potter and The Worst Witch, the historic Tudor manor and gardens will be transformed into a fantastical setting filled with outdoor adventures, storytelling and interactive fun for families. Young visitors can help Alice search for the Cheshire Cat, have their fortunes told by the mysterious Gnostic Gned, decorate their own wand and try casting a few spells of their own along the way.

With costumed characters, games and woodland activities spread across the breath-taking grounds, it is the perfect excuse for children to dress up as their favourite magical creatures and spend a summer day completely immersed in their imagination.

Summer evenings are set to be filled with laughter, drama and picnics under the trees as Theatre in the Parks returns for 2026 with another open air season across some of West Suffolk’s most beautiful green spaces.

Families can settle in amongst the greenery of Nowton Park for productions including Peter Rabbit and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, while West Stow Anglo Saxon Village hosts performances of The Ghost of Achilles and The Cursed Ring in its atmospheric woodland surroundings.

Over at Brandon Country Park, younger audiences can enjoy the musical adventure Big Bad Wolf. Arrive early with a picnic blanket, basket of goodies and an appetite for entertainment before watching the light change across the parkland and settling down for live theatre performed alfresco.

For older children and teenagers looking for something a little different over the summer holidays, Shuffle Board Game Cafe offers a relaxed indoor escape with more than 500 board games to choose from.

Families can grab a panini, milkshake or smoothie from the café and enjoy it while testing out strategy games, party classics and new discoveries together. Whether you are fiercely competitive or just in it for the laughs, friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to recommend games and explain the rules, making it easy to try something completely new.

Pokémon fans should also keep an eye on the regular Sunday evening sessions, where trading card collectors and players gather to swap cards, battle and meet fellow enthusiasts.

If your children love the magic of live theatre, this summer is the perfect time to introduce them to a show designed especially for younger audiences. Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds will be welcoming the hugely popular CBeebies House Party Live to its historic stage, bringing favourite characters, music and plenty of audience interaction to one of the country’s oldest working theatres.

Before or after the performance, families can also book onto one of the theatre’s guided tours to discover what happens behind the scenes, from hidden backstage corridors to costume areas and the technical magic that helps bring productions to life. Led by enthusiastic guides, the tours offer inquisitive youngsters the chance to see the theatre from a completely different perspective while learning more about the fascinating history of the beautiful Regency building itself.

For young adrenaline seekers and their families, Wild Tracks outdoor activity park is a must. The 60 acre site offers motocross, go-karting, archery, battlefield live and off-road driving to name but a few of the adventurous activities available. A thrilling Quad bike experience is available for anyone over 8 years old and offers an exciting experience as you take to the extensive track that curves and winds around the woodland.

If you’re new to these activities- fear not, expert trainers are on hand to provide guidance, you’ll be shooting arrows like Robin Hood and driving like ‘The stig’ in no time!

Comic book fans, collectors, gamers, and pop culture enthusiasts have something exciting to look forward to as a brand new Comic Con arrives in Bury St Edmunds this summer.

The event will feature celebrity guests from some of the world's most popular franchises, including Masters of the Universe, Superman, Power Rangers, Star Wars, Game of Thrones, The Witcher, and many more beloved TV shows and films.

Visitors can explore a huge range of attractions, including a toy fair, Topps collectibles, comic artists, movie props, cosplay groups, card traders, gaming vendors, and an impressive selection of collectables and memorabilia.

Whether you're a dedicated fan, passionate collector, or simply looking for a fun family day out, there's plenty to enjoy for all ages.

Food lovers of all ages will be heading into the heart of Bury St Edmunds this August as the much loved Food and Drink Festival takes over the town centre for two packed days of delicious local produce, live demonstrations and family entertainment.

Across the festival you can browse artisan stalls, sample street food and explore the bustling farmers’ market on Angel Hill, while local chefs and cocktail specialists host live cookery and drinks demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Younger visitors will find plenty to keep them entertained too, with fairground rides, face painting, street entertainers and hands-on activities that use all the senses. The 2026 event will also feature immersive virtual reality experiences and the popular stealth racer challenge at The Arc Shopping Centre, making it as exciting for children as it is for Suffolk’s dedicated foodies.